10 things we learned this weekend in college football

Weekend of record performances, shocking upsets

October 20, 2013|By Matt Murschel, Tribune Newspapers

1. Jordan Lynch may not have a Heisman Trophy on his resume, but the Northern Illinois quarterback does have a distinction that Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel does not. During the Huskies' 38-17 win over Central Michigan, Lynch set an NCAA record with 316 rushing yards. It was the most rushing yards by a Football Bowl Subdivision quarterback, shattering the previous high of 308 yards set by former NIU QB Stacey Robinson in 1990.

2. It was a record-setting day for the Michigan duo of Devin Gardner and Jeremy Gallon, who led the Wolverines to a 63-47 win over Indiana. Gardner set a school record with his 584 yards of total offense, which fell a yard short of the Big Ten record. Gallon had 369 yards receiving, the most in Big Ten history and second all-time in the FBS.

3. Ohio State survived an early scare by Iowa to earn its 19th straight win, but the Buckeyes continue to struggle in the battle of perception — at least in the eyes of Top 25 poll voters. Ohio State dropped a spot in this week's coaches poll and Urban Meyer's bunch will need help to be a factor in the national title race.

4. It was a shocking weekend, with nine teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 suffering losses. According to ESPN, losses by No. 3 Clemson, No. 6 LSU, No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 8 Louisville and No. 9 UCLA marked the first time since September 2007 that five AP top 10 teams lost in the same week.

5. Less than a week after having a record-setting eight teams in the AP Top 25 poll, the Southeastern Conference suffered one of its worst days when No. 6 LSU, No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 11 South Carolina, No. 15 Georgia and No. 22 Florida all lost.

6. When Texas A&M and Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, many assumed the Aggies had the better chance to compete for a conference title. However, the Tigers are making a strong run at a trip to Atlanta, home of the SEC title game. Mizzou is undefeated and controls its destiny with five SEC games remaining.

7. It's time to give Al Golden his due. Despite a sprawling NCAA investigation and potential sanctions hanging over the program, the Miami coach has done a spectacular job getting the Hurricanes back into the national spotlight. Miami joined the top 10 last week for the first time since 2005.

8. Florida State's 51-14 win over Clemson not only improved the Seminoles' chances in the national championship race, it also helped improve the ACC's overall image. Saturday night's showing on national television suggested the Seminoles could be just as good as any SEC team.

9. Jameis Winston not only led FSU to a big win over Clemson, but he introduced himself as college football's "next big thing." With Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater and Tajh Boyd all struggling this weekend, Winston established himself as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate.

10. Despite all of the turmoil below them in the polls, Alabama and Oregon continued their impressive starts. The Crimson Tide shut down Arkansas 52-0, while the Ducks ran over Washington State 62-38. The two programs appear to be on a collision course to face off in Pasadena for the national title.